Irish Cream Liqueur…Merry Christmas to one and all

I have been making this homemade liqueur over the last twenty years. It’s essentially a homemade Baileys, but in my opinion, so much better than the real thing! I usually make large batches as Christmas presents for family and friends. My sister especially likes this liqueur and one year drank a whole bottle in two days! Not surprisingly she didn’t feel well afterwards…

This recipe is pretty strong, so if you prefer a more moderate level of alcohol, you can reduce the whisky amount by 1/2 cup. But I find the extra alcohol helps cut through the richness of the cream.

Ingredients

1 1/2 cups Irish Whisky (you can use scotch or bourbon if you prefer) – don’t splurge on an expensive bottle

1 tin sweetened condensed milk (14oz/395g)

1 1/4 cups (300ml) thickened or pouring cream

1 tspn vanilla extract

1 tspn cocoa powder

1 tblsp strong black coffee (can be espresso or instant)

Blitz all the ingredients in a blender for a couple of minutes. One batch makes just over one litre. As it includes cream you will need to keep it in the refrigerator. It also means that this liqueur will only last for a couple of weeks, though that has never been a problem for me 😉 Give it a good shake before serving as the cocoa will settle at the bottom of the bottle.

You also don’t have to drink it straight – add it to a cup of coffee to make it extra special, or pour it over some ice cream for dessert decadence.

I bought some super cheap 500 ml milk bottles from a discount store and presented them with some festive ribbon and a gift tag. For a giggle I’ve also added a straw because of the milk bottle.

I’m pretty sure Santa would love this tipple on Christmas night when he delivers the presents to all the good boys and girls. You’ve been good this year haven’t you? Of course you have!

🎅 Merry Christmas everyone! I hope you all have a fun filled, stress free and safe Christmas.